Universal Curets

Question 1

What are the 3 types of universal curettes found in our kits?

Answer 1

13/14 Columbia
4R/4L Columbia
2R/2L Columbia

Question 2

Describe the 2R2L Columbia

Answer 2

Anterior scaling
Large heavy deposits
Large shank diameter
Longer blade and shank

Question 3

Describe the 4R4L Columbia

Answer 3

Posterior scaling
Large heavy deposits
Large shank diameter
Longer blade and shank

Question 4

Describe the 13/14 Columbia

Answer 4

Used for anterior and posterior scaling; truly universal
Shallow pockets
Small to medium deposits
Smaller shank diameter
Shorter blade and shank

Question 5

What is a universal curet?

Answer 5

Periodontal instrument used to remove small in medium sized calculus deposits from supra and sub gingival surfaces

Question 6

Why are they called universal curettes?

Answer 6

Because they can be used on posterior and anterior teeth

Question 7

Unique design characteristics of a curet

Answer 7

Rounded back and rounded toe
Two cutting edges per working end
Semi circular in cross-section
Face is perpendicular to the shank so cutting edges are level with one another

Question 8

What are curets with shorter lower shanks limited to?

Answer 8

Normal sulci or shallow pockets

Cannot reach the midline of the mesial and distal surfaces of molars

Question 9

What can curettes with longer lower shanks be used for?

Answer 9

Root surfaces within deep pockets

Better choice for mesial and distal surfaces of molars

Question 10

How to choose correct working and using lower shank as a visual clue

Answer 10

Establish a finger rest

Place working end in distal surface

Use the lower shank as a visual clue: lower shank is parallel to the distal, functional shank goes up and over the tooth

Bump in shank points to the posterior

Question 11

How to choose the correct working and using the inner and outer cutting edges

Answer 11

Hold the instrument so you were looking down at the surface

Determine which cutting edge is closer to the handle (inner)

Inner cutting edges are used on distal surfaces, outer cutting edges used on all other surfaces

Question 12

What happens when the lower shank is positioned parallel to the tooth surface?

Answer 12

Create a face to tooth surface angulation of 90° which is not ideal

Question 13

How is correct angulation achieved?

Answer 13

Tilting the lower shank toward the tooth surface

Question 14

Why can adapting the working and to the facial and lingual route surfaces of the mandibular posterior teeth be challenging?

Answer 14

Your hand may block your vision of the lingual surfaces

The rounded posterior crowns make it difficult to place the working end on the root surface

Question 15

Correct handle position for mandibular lingual‘s

Answer 15

Keep the handle in the normal position, as upright as possible

Question 16

How to choose the correct working and for anterior teeth using the lower shank as a visual clue

Answer 16

Lower shank is across the tooth surface. Should not be parallel to the distal

Universal curet = anterior across

Question 17

How to choose the correct working end for anterior teeth using the inner and outer cutting edges

Answer 17

Only the outer cutting edges of a universal curet are used on the anterior teeth

Question 18

What angulation should the curet be at before inserting under the gums on anterior teeth?

Answer 18

0° angulation with face hugging the tooth surface

Question 19

Which two areas are most often missed by beginning clinicians?

Answer 19

Distal facial and distal lingual line angles of posterior teeth as well as the midlines of facial and lingual surfaces of anterior teeth

Question 20

What type of stroke is extremely effective and removing calculus deposits at line angles and mid lines?

Answer 20

Horizontal strokes